A mini storage allows people to store items. While you don't need previous training, there are a few things you need to know to start a mini storage business.

Mini storage facilities allow people to store extra items that won't fit in their homes or offices. While you do not need experience in working in a mini storage facility, there are still a few things you need to know to start a mini storage business. Depending on your location, the demand for these facilities may be great. Start a mini storage business by purchasing an existing facility, buying into a storage franchise or building a new facility in a convenient location for customers.

Apply for a business license to operate a mini storage business in your area by contacting your local small business administration office or county clerk's office. Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service. Use this number on tax forms and business documents. Register your mini storage business with your state's secretary of state's office to form a business entity, such as a limited liability company, corporation or partnership. Purchase business insurance to protect your property from damage or theft and to protect business assets in the event of a lawsuit or settlement.

Purchase commercial retail property to build a mini storage facility or purchase an established storage facility from a commercial real estate agent or business management company. Contact the commercial zoning office in your area to determine the maximum size of your storage facility. Obtain the necessary zoning and building permits to complete construction. Hire a reputable commercial construction company to build your mini storage facility.

Purchase equipment, such as bookkeeping and invoicing software, cash registers, filing cabinets, printer, office phones, cleaning supplies, storage locks, camera system to monitor the property and moving equipment for customers to use when moving heavy items in and out of storage.

List your mini storage facility in local business directories. Paint the outside of your business using bright, attractive colors to increase customer awareness. Create large signs to promote storage unit sales and send out fliers to existing customers to increase referrals. Create a website that include hours of operation, storage unit sizes and monthly fees, payment and contact information.

Tip

Reduce startup and marketing costs by buying a mini storage franchise or creating a partnership with investors.

Tip

Contact the fire marshal to learn more about fire safety inspections and onsite equipment, such as fire extinguishers or the number of fire exits needed to maintain your business license or zoning permits.

Things Needed

Business license

Tip

Reduce startup and marketing costs by buying a mini storage franchise or creating a partnership with investors.

Warning

Contact the fire marshal to learn more about fire safety inspections and onsite equipment, such as fire extinguishers or the number of fire exits needed to maintain your business license or zoning permits.

About the Author

Based in the Washington metro area, Jessica Jones has been a freelance writer since 2006, specializing in business topics. Her fiction has also been featured in publications such as "The Jamaican Observer Sunday Literary Supplement" and at websites including HackWriters. Jones earned a Master of Fine Arts in fiction writing from Lesley University.